Type of site | OTT streaming platform |
---|---|
Available in | English |
Area served | United Kingdom except northern and central Scotland (ITV1 programming) United Kingdom (ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, ITVBe, FAST channels, and licensed programming) |
Parent | ITV Consumer Limited (ITV plc) |
URL | www |
Launched |
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ITVX (formerly ITV Hub) is a British ad-supported video-on-demand streaming service operated by ITV. The service offers original content from the broadcaster, as well as some exclusive and licensed programming. [1]
ITV Hub had at least 30 million registered users. [2]
This section possibly contains original research .(December 2022) |
This section needs additional citations for verification .(December 2022) |
ITV Player was launched in 2008.
The ITV Player was originally a website before being extended to television and other platforms.[ citation needed ] Initially, the website version used Microsoft Silverlight, as opposed to Adobe Flash (used by BBC iPlayer and Channel 4's 4oD) and Windows Media Video. ITV adopted Flash for its player on 15 September 2009. [3]
In November 2009, ITV Player was given a revamp, improving navigation, as well as making the site more visually appealing. The service was free to use, and it was funded by pre-, mid-, and post-roll adverts.[ citation needed ] Previously, users have been able to use ad-blocking software to skip the adverts shown. In mid 2010, the ITV website was upgraded to detect ad-blocking software.[ citation needed ] Video is sent at multiple-bit rates and uses adaptive technology in the player to best determine the rate based on the user's connection. ITV Hub used HTML5 Media Source Extensions with Encrypted Media Extensions to deliver video.[ citation needed ]
In Summer 2011, ITV Player incorporated subtitles and CITV programming.[ citation needed ] The redesigned website version was launched on 22 August 2011 with upgraded search features, and a new Flash-based video player designed improve playback reliability.[ citation needed ]
In January 2012, the site was due to be overhauled to offer paid-for content in addition to the existing free 30-day catch-up, [4] however, this was delayed until 29 October 2012. [5]
Content that has only aired on the main ITV channel (rather than also on ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, or CITV) is only available to viewers located in ITV plc regions (England, Wales, southern Scotland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and on UTV in Northern Ireland).[ citation needed ] If the same programme was also broadcast in central and northern Scotland, then users located in those areas may be able to view it on the STV Player.[ citation needed ] The ITV Hub website attempts to detect user location automatically, using that provided by the ISP.[ citation needed ] On 6 June 2016, ITV Hub replaced the UTV Player service in Northern Ireland, following the latter's sale to ITV plc in February 2016.[ citation needed ]
From 6 March 2018, Domino's Pizza became the platform's first ever sponsor. [6] [7]
In March 2022, ITV announced that its new ITVX [8] streaming platform – an integrated advertising and subscription funded platform for the UK market which will take over from catch-up service ITV Hub – would also include access to BritBox for British consumers. [9] [10] The BBC decided to sell their share in BritBox UK to ITV, but still will remain a content provider to the service. [11]
The service was rolled out on 17 November 2022, before it officially launched on 8 December. ITVX is positioned as a direct competitor to the BBC iPlayer and the Channel 4 VOD service, featuring more exclusive programming, the incorporation of BritBox, and a selection of FAST channels. [12] [13] [14] [15] [16]
On 28 February 2022, it was confirmed that ITVX Premium users would have access to Studiocanal Presents, which launched in the spring of that year, ITV’s Director of Content Partnerships, Streaming, Laura Franses commented: ‘We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Studiocanal Presents. This fantastic collection of films and television series is the perfect addition to ITVX Premium, where subscribers can browse quality content ad-free to their hearts’ content.’ [17]
On 10 March 2023, it was confirmed that ITVX would become the new home of CITV content, with the launch of a dedicated hub called "ITVX Kids" from 22 July 2023. [18] [19] [20]
FAST channels featured on the service include: [21]
Name | About |
---|---|
The Chase | Airs episodes from the UK version of the show. |
Comedy 24/7 | Airs various comedy programs. |
Crime Drama | Airs various ITV crime dramas. |
ITV Signed | Airs programmes with in-vision signing. |
ITVX Kids | Airs kids' shows from ITVX's catalogue. |
LEGO® Universe | Airs various LEGO-themed kids' shows. |
Love Island | Airs episodes from the UK version of the show. |
Movies 24/7 | Airs a mixture of ITV-owned and independent movies. |
Midsomer Murders | Airs episodes from the series. |
The Only Way is Essex TV | Airs episodes from the series. |
Reality 24/7 | Airs various reality shows. |
Saturday Night, Every Night | Airs light-hearted entertainment, reality and game-show programs. |
Vera | Airs episodes from the series. |
World of Morse | Airs episodes of the Inspector Morse franchise. |
Name | About |
---|---|
Big Brother Live Stream | Airs a daily live stream of the house. Aired during the 2023 civilian series and the 2024 celebrity series. |
Black Voices | Airs various Black-themed programs. Aired during Black History Month. |
Halloween 24/7 | Airs various Halloween-themed programs and films. Aired during October. |
ITV Sport | Airs live coverage of various sporting events. |
Xmas Movies | Airs Christmas movies from Hallmark Channel. |
Name | About |
---|---|
Award Winning Movies | Airs indie/modern movies mostly sourced from independent distributors. |
Back to the 90s | Airs programmes from the 1990s. |
Blast from the Past | Airs various classic shows mostly sourced from ITV-owned catalogues. |
Classic Comedy | Airs comedy shows mostly sourced from Fremantle's Thames catalogue. Was originally known as ITV Classics. |
Classic Movies | Airs movies mostly sourced from the ITV-owned ITC and Rank catalogues. |
Hell’s Kitchen | Airs episodes from the US version of the series. |
ITV Classics | Airs various classic shows mostly sourced from ITV-owned catalogues. |
Love IslandInternational | Airs episodes from other English-language versions of the franchise. |
Loved Up | Airs dating/love-focused reality shows and dramas. |
Massive Laughs | Airs comedy programs such as panel shows. |
Out of this World | Airs sci-fi/supernatural programs mostly sourced from the ITV-owned ITC catalogue. |
Oscars 24/7 | Airs various Oscar-winning and nominated films. Aired during and after the 2024 Oscar ceremony. |
Period Dramas | Airs various period dramas. |
Pride | Airs programs featuring LGBTQ+ themes. |
Quiz Time | Airs various game shows. |
Rugby World Cup Classics | Airs highlights of classic Rugby World Cup matches. |
Sail GP | Airs Sail GP races. |
The Real Housewives UK | Airs episodes of The Real Housewives of Cheshire and Jersey . |
True Crime International | Airs Crime documentaries. |
Ultimate Ant & Dec | Airs programs hosted by Ant & Dec. |
Unwind with ITV | Airs an infinite loop of Unwind footage. |
World Cup Classics | Airs World Cup Football matches. |
As of July 2017, ITV Hub was available on YouView-enabled Sony Bravia TVs.[ citation needed ]
In December 2008, ITV Hub was added to BT TV's TV Replay service, the deal was ITV's first with a set-top-box VOD operator. [22] It allows access to popular ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, and ITV4 shows up to 8 days after their transmission, as well as a selection of archive shows. [23]
A place for a full version of ITV Player has been reserved on Freesat channel 903. [24] A beta release was made available in December 2010 for Humax receivers, requiring the input of a code. [25] The beta was made public on 26 July 2011, with support expected to be extended beyond Humax devices. [26] [27] On 31 July 2012, an update was released for Manhattan receivers which included support for ITV Player. [28] In November 2012, both EchoStar and Samsung receivers also received ITV Player support. [29] [30] Although the ITV Hub Player app is available to viewers around the UK on multiple platforms, it is not available to Freesat viewers using second generation Freesat receivers if their regional variation is set using postcodes starting DG or TD. It is unclear why this contradiction exists. [31]
On 29 January 2014, it was announced that ITV Player woulds be available on Sky's Now TV box. [32] It was later made available on the NowTV and Roku devices on 11 June 2014. [33]
On 30 January 2012, it was announced that ITV Player would be added to Sky's On Demand service the following day. [34] ITV Player initially only offered archive content, with catch-up programming becoming available on 26 September.
On 6 July 2012, it was announced that ITV Player had been made available on Samsung's Smart TVs and Blu-ray players through their Samsung Smart TV service, for 2011 and later devices. [35]
As of 8 December 2022, ITVX is only available on Samsung Smart TVs 2016 and above. [36]
On 8 January 2009, it was announced that ITV Net Player would be added to Virgin Media's digital cable TV service. [37] The deal allows Virgin Media's 3.5 million TV customers to view over 40 hours of programming from ITV, ITV2, ITV3, and ITV4 each week. Popular shows such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale are all available for seven days after being broadcast as part of Virgin Media's free Catch up TV service. The service began a three-day deployment programme on 24 February 2009. Virgin Media's viewers were able to choose from 500 hours of ITV comedies, documentaries, and dramas, on demand through the TV Choice section, however, the contract to supply archive content ended on 23 February 2013. [38]
ITV Player was one of four services available at the launch of YouView in July 2012. At launch, the ITV Player app contained options to resume watching recent programmes and browse by channel, day, and A-to-Z, but lacked integrated search and contained non-skippable adverts. [39] During 2013, ITV intend to introduce paid-for content into ITV Player on YouView. [40]
ITV Player was released on 14 December 2010 on PlayStation 3 via the PlayStation Network [41] utilising the web-browser to distribute content rather than an app. It was free and ad-funded with pre-, mid-, and post-roll video ads being sold and served by ITV. Under the terms of the deal with Sony, STV, UTV and Channel Television were able to add their own equivalent services so they were also accessible from the PS3 platform on a similar basis to ITV Player.[ citation needed ] As of 23 November 2015 the service is no longer available on the PS3.[ citation needed ]
ITV Hub was launched for Xbox One on Friday 10 February 2017, this was made possible by a new Universal Windows Platform app which integrates with Windows 10 and Xbox One. The STV Player app run by STV, who currently hold the ITV licence for Scotland, has been launched on Xbox 360. The STV Player app contains much of the content found on ITV Player and requires a Scottish postcode to be entered prior to use. ITV Hub was launched on Xbox Series S/X on 10 November 2020.
On 11 May 2011, ITV chief executive Adam Crozier announced that a dedicated ITV Player application would be released on a "wide range of mobiles and tablets" during 2011. [42] The app features programming from ITV, ITV2, ITV3, and ITV4 for up to seven days after broadcast. However, content is only available to view in the UK and ITV programming is blocked in the STV and UTV regions. A Wi-Fi connection is also required. The mobile apps were developed by digital agency Candyspace. [43] During 2013, ITV intend to introduce paid-for content into ITV Player across all mobile platforms. [40]
An application for devices running Google's Android operating system was released on 20 June 2011. [44] The app requires Android 2.2 (Froyo) or higher and Adobe AIR. Each show is broken up to feature non-skippable advertising breaks. Users are forced to register an email address to use the app to allow ITV to "keep you informed about improvements and other exciting developments at ITV." [45] On 14 January 2013, ITV Player 2.0 was released adding support for Android 3.x Gingerbread to 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and a re-engineered user interface. [46]
Adobe ceased support for Flash on Android in 2011, which caused ITV Player to be incompatible with devices on that operating system. A new app was trialled, but was only available on Samsung products and received poor reviews on Google Play Store.[ citation needed ] Upon the release of the app on 9 May 2013, Samsung entered into an exclusivity agreement with ITV, with the ITV Player app available exclusively on Samsung devices until 31 August. ITV's online product director, James Micklethwait, cited "fragmentation of the Android ecosystem" as the motive behind the deal. [47]
This app is currently not available on the Google Play store as of Jan 2024. [48] [49]
An application for Apple's iOS (iOS 4.3 or later) operating system and either the iPad, iPhone (3GS or later), and iPod Touch (3rd generation or later), was launched on 1 July 2011. [50] [51]
In June 2013, the iOS app was updated to add a trial premium section, allowing subscribers to watch catch-up content without advertising, as well as pay to view live streams of ITV3 and ITV4. [52] Early reviews of the updated app on the App Store were generally negative, with users commenting that the subscription option provided poor value for money. [53]
As of Jan 2024, the ITVX app is available on the UK Apple App store. It is ranked #7 in entertainment apps with generally excellent reviews. [54]
As of May 2014, the ITV Player has been released for Windows Phone which is just like the Android and iOS versions. [55] However, the STV Player app run by STV, who currently hold the ITV licence for Scotland, has been launched on Windows Phone. Users of the STV Player can input their postcode to verify they live in Scotland, thus allowing users who are visiting other regions of the UK, to use the app and view content.[ citation needed ] The STV Player app contains much of the content found on ITV Player.[ citation needed ] As of January 2020, the ITV Hub is not supported on Windows Phone.[ citation needed ] The UWP app can only be installed on the Xbox One and videos cannot be played through Microsoft Edge whether you're in mobile or desktop view.[ citation needed ]
ITV offers most of its programming as part of ITV Catch Up subscription channel on the Prime Video platform. [56] [57]
ITV2 is a British free-to-air television channel owned by ITV Digital Channels, a division of ITV plc. It was launched on 7 December 1998. For a number of years, it had the largest audience share after the five analogue terrestrial stations, a claim now held by its sister service ITV3 both of which are freely available to a majority of households.
ITV plc is a British media company that holds 13 of the 15 regional television licences that make up the ITV network, the oldest and largest commercial terrestrial television network in the United Kingdom.
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ITV Digital Channels Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of British broadcaster ITV plc. It manages all of the company's television channels with the exception of ITV1, which is part of the entire network.
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itv.com is the main website of ITV plc, the UK's largest commercial television broadcaster which operates 13 out of 15 regions on the ITV network under the ITV1 brand. The website offers the ITVX streaming service, with sections for ITV News, certain ITV1 programmes and competitions. STV, Which runs the only regions not owned by ITV plc, have their own separate website at stv.tv.
UKTV Play is a video on demand service owned by BBC Studios, launched in August 2014. The service offers catch-up programming from UKTV's free-to-air channels, which are Dave, Drama, W and Yesterday.
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High-definition television in the United Kingdom is available via cable, IPTV, satellite and terrestrial television. The first high-definition broadcasts began in late 2005 and since then the number of channels available to view has grown to a maximum of 87 that can be viewed on pay-TV service, Sky.
STV Player is a video on demand service owned by STV Group and available free-of-charge across the UK, online, on mobile and on all major TV platforms, including Sky Glass, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Freeview Play, Freesat and Virgin Media.
Qello Concerts is an American-based entertainment company founded in 2010, in New York, by Brian Lisi, Bob Frank, and Richard Johnson. Qello is the parent company of digital streaming service Qello Concerts, and over-the-top content service provider Qello Media Solutions. Qello Concerts is a digital streaming music service specializing in on-demand concert films and music documentaries. In 2016, Qello Concerts added live streaming events and original programming. It was acquired by Stingray Group in January 2018.
ITVBe is a British free-to-air television channel owned by ITV Digital Channels, a division of ITV plc. The channel was first announced on 12 February 2014 and launched on 8 October 2014. ITVBe broadcasts reality and unscripted shows, including US acquisitions such as The Real Housewives franchise, Million Dollar Listing New York, and Botched; and original programming such as The Real Housewives of Cheshire, Dinner Date, and The Only Way Is Essex. The channel has also occasionally aired feature films, particularly from the romantic comedy genre, and from May to September 2023 also broadcast female-skewed comedy and drama such as Jane the Virgin and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
TVPlayer is a United Kingdom Internet television service owned by international digital distribution company Alchimie. It provides access to free live television channel streams using a web browser or application software made for mobile devices.
BritBox is an online digital video subscription service, founded by BBC Studios and ITV, operating in nine countries across North America, Europe, Australia and South Africa. It is focused on British television series and films, mainly featuring current and past series and films supplied from two British terrestrial broadcasters of the BBC and ITV, in addition to original programming. BritBox is said to feature the biggest collection of British box sets available in one place, with additional original programming available from 2020.
This is a timeline of the British company ITV Digital Channels and its predecessors Granada Sky Broadcasting and Carlton Communications, and digital channels of other ITV-related companies. The timeline does not include events related to ITV network's flagship channel.
Unwind with ITV is an ITV ambient television programme. It broadcasts footage of various peaceful environments and computer graphics, over ambient music. Its introduction was, partially, a part of ITV's Britain Get Talking campaign, and is produced by Plymouth-based Rock Oyster Media in collaboration with mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably, with music coming from the libraries of the music conglomerate BMG. It started broadcasting on 2 October 2021. In November 2022, Unwind was discontinued on STV, with it being replaced by Night Vision, which features news, sport and weather from across Scotland. However in July 2023, Unwind returned to STV following the collapse of Ideal World and now shown alongside Night Vision.